Electrical Safety During Fall
Electrical safety during Fall: Cooler weather is quickly approaching which means homeowners will be getting ready for fall yard work and hanging lights for the holidays. When working outside, and especially with electrical equipment, it is important to think about safety. Paul’s Electric Service has four electrical safety tips every homeowner should know about before beginning their fall yard work or hanging holiday lighting.
Ladder and tool safety
Before using ladders outside to clean gutters, hang lights or replace bulbs, be sure to locate all low hanging electrical and telephone wires and lines. Hitting these lines with a ladder can be dangerous and pose a safety risk to any person who is around when the ladder touches the wires. Before using any tool for the winter, such as an electric leaf blower, inspect the power cord for wear spots or burn marks.
Keeping outlets clear
Outside outlets should be kept clear of leaves and other debris. It is best to have every outdoor outlet properly covered to protect it from the elements. Before using the outside outlet, check it for any issues that may have occurred when the outlet wasn’t in use.
Proper use of extension cords
Extension cords should only be used for short periods of time and for their intended purposes only. Never use an extension cord on unapproved electrical devices. Extension cords should not be run under carpets or rugs because of the risk of overheating.
Inspect or change outdoor lighting
As the season changes and the clocks begin to shift, daylight will be shortened. The beginning of fall is the time to check outdoor lighting, and light fixtures. Check any outdoor lighting areas to make sure the bulbs are ready for use as well as if they need replaced. To save money during the fall, consider switching to more energy efficient outdoor lighting.